Percy Carey: The Future Of The Comic Book Economy

[Each week, Complex columnist Percy Carey a.k.a. MF Grimm dives into the world of comic books with industry interviews, reviews and more. All MF Grimm music can be purchased on Itunes]

I was hanging out with my friend the Mayor of Los Angeles Anthony Villaraigosa (pictured above) the other day talking about the economic situation in L.A., and as we discussed how to implement incentives to encourage entrepreneurs (confidentially), we were pinpointing what industries would embrace it; although we compiled a nice list, it made me ask myself a question... I said, "What industry would resist it?" My answer: you guessed it, the comic book industry!

I thought about all of the comic book publishers who would rather go out of business than make some money. I'm not one to disrespect a few who decide to remain micropreneurs, but it feels like 90% of comic book publishers are afraid to allow their companies to grow, and refuse to think outside of their industry.

Most comic book companies also view ways to generate additional revenue as "selling out". How long can they last just preaching to the choir? Especially when the choir is out for the intermission (nobody is listening) some companies are acting like we're not in a digital age, and continuing to resist about digital comics. Comic book publishers get upset when high profiled celebrities create comic books, but want them to star in their favorite comic book movie or be on the soundtrack. I must admit some of you guys see the light and are now pushing the envelope to stay afloat don't worry about your so called peers who laughing because you're making the proper adjustment with your company. Remember what happen to those who laughed at Noah for building an ark; who's laughing now?

Stay tuned for the first annual Percy Carey's Comic Book Corner Power Player's List. Percy's Power Player List will be a compiled list of influential people in the comic book, film, television industries; but just to keep it fair I'm going to create two other lists, the second of which will be named "The House Award." That will consist of companies that are in comas and are now on life support and no one knows what the fuck is wrong with them?

Like Doctor Gregory House, we will figure it out how to save them; but unlike the television show, it can go either way for these companies it just depends on how bad they want to stay alive. The House Award will be a solid gold asthma pump; and the third of the three is The SVU award (Special Victims Unit) for companies that were brutally murdered by their industry (you can be nominated through acts of stubbornness, stupidity, or for just being the sacrificial lamb). We will highlight what went wrong with these companies and hope it brings closure to their grieving families. The award will be a tombstone that states "We're Closed". I will give you an official date of the awards next week.

Last but not least I would like to thank Vertigo/DC Comics for including me in the 2009 Vertigo Encyclopedia. I have my own page (pg 162, pictured below). By the way everyone you can talk to me direct on Twitter @percycarey.